ASX 200 index closes 0.3% higher; Australian shares extend gains to close near 14-month peak SECTIONS Last Updated: Apr 29, 2021, 02:28 PM IST Share Synopsis The S&P/ASX 200 index closed 0.3% higher at 7,082.3. Gains in tech and gold stocks helped outweigh dismal trading updates from Woolworths and Fortescue Metals. Agencies Australia's biggest gold miner Newcrest jumped as much as 2.7% after posting production of 512,424 ounces for the March period, beating the 491,539 ounces tipped by RBC analysts. Related Australian shares closed at their highest level in nearly 14 months on Thursday, extending gains from the previous session when mild inflation data pushed the benchmark index to snap its two-day losing streak.